The daily intermediate sprint at the Giro d'Italia for bonus seconds will be known as the Red Bull KM for a second year, sponsored by the energy drink giant.
The Giro's organisers, RCS Sport, called it last year a "groundbreaking" new feature, but it is in effect an intermediate sprint for extra seconds off the general classification.
Each day - apart from the individual time trial on stage 10 - will see the kilometre up to the day's bonus sprint designated as the Red Bull KM, with then six, four, and two seconds awarded on the line.
However, this year, the intermediate sprints will be placed much closer to the finish line. The only bonus seconds at the finish will go to the winner of the stage, 10 seconds.
"This strategic decision is set to ignite competition at the most decisive moments of each stage," an RCS press release read. "In 20 of the 21 stages the Red Bull KM will become a true springboard into the finale, pushing general classification contenders to make their moves and fight for every second just as the tension reaches its peak."
Intermediate sprints for bonus seconds are nothing new in bike racing, with the Tour de France utilising them often. They have also featured in the Giro before; however, six seconds could be a huge boost for a rider, especially towards the beginning and the end of the race, if things are close.
"The Red Bull KM proved crucial to the outcome of the Giro d’Italia [last year] from the outset," the press release continued. "A clear example is Isaac Del Toro, runner-up in the general classification and winner of the maglia bianca for best young rider, who gained a total of 14 bonus seconds through these sprints.
"In 2026, with the stage finale looming even closer, the approach to the Red Bull KM promises to be even more explosive, making each stage outcome even more unpredictable.
"In a stage race where every second matters, the new placement will make each Red Bull KM passage even more critical and decisive for the maglia rosa. Team strategies will shape the spectacle.:
Early in the race it might cause more of a fight to get in the day's break, as bonus seconds will be important in the battle for the pink jersey. Late on, if the top of the general classification is close, then it could be decided by these bonuses.
The energy drinks company, which also sponsors Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, as well as some riders, will also provide "dedicated on-site activations designed to engage the public and amplify the race experience".
Red Bull KM locations
Stage 1: 32.3 km to the finish
Stage 2: 15.5 km to the finish
Stage 3: 13.0 km to the finish
Stage 4: 11.6 km to the finish
Stage 5: 28.8 km to the finish
Stage 6: 23.7 km to the finish
Stage 7: 11.9 km to the finish
Stage 8: 25.3 km to the finish
Stage 9: 11.4 km to the finish
Stage 11: 12.6 km to the finish
Stage 12: 13.4 km to the finish
Stage 13: 16.7 km to the finish
Stage 14: 17.0 km to the finish
Stage 15: 42.2 km to the finish
Stage 16: 12.4 km to the finish
Stage 17: 15.4 km to the finish
Stage 18: 16.7 km to the finish
Stage 19: 32.4 km to the finish
Stage 20: 23.7 km to the finish
Stage 21: 19.8 km to the finish
